NEWS STORIES

JUNE 2015

American farmers planted 1.7 million fewer acres of corn in 2015 than they did the previous year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Acreage report released today. The report indicates a 300,000 acre net degrease from the prospective planting report released in March. Total corn planting in the United States total 88.9 million acres, for the lowest planted acreage since 2010. Notably, it still represents the sixth-largest U.S. corn …

First in a series profiling candidates for the 2016 Corn Board. A dynamic individual who embraces a spirit of cooperation and civic-mindedness, Keith Alverson volunteers long hours to the service of farmers across the country. Now, he wishes to contribute his perspective, hard work and insight by continuing his service as a member of the 2016 National Corn Growers Association Corn Board. “As a leader, I have always …

With U.S. corn just entering the silking stage, the crop condition declined slightly, according to a report released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With 68 percent of acres still rated in good or excellent condition, seven points behind this time last year, the 2015 corn crop enters the next growth state with solid potential. “As wet conditions continue to plague farmers with June almost complete, the abundance …

The National Corn Growers Association reminds farmers to register today for NCGA’s National Corn Yield Contest and enjoy big savings on entry fees. Until Tuesday, June 30, fees will be reduced to $75. For more information and to enter today using the online form, click here. The version of the online form released this year is suitable for use on mobile devices. Entry will remain open at …

Rural America rallied around the Renewable Fuels Standard yesterday in a strong show of support to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. With 450 ethanol supporters following Captain Cornelius from the park side rally into the EPA hearing rooms, farmers and their friends raised their voices to roar “don’t mess with the RFS.” EPA officials began a full day of listening at nine in the morning as more than 40 …

The top leadership of the National Corn Growers Association was well represented at today’s field hearing regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to reduce the volume of ethanol in the Renewable Fuel Standard. NCGA President Chip Bowling of Maryland and Chairman Martin Barbre joined scores of farmers and others on-hand in Kansas City, Kan., to speak of the importance of domestic, renewable fuels to the nation. The EPA’s …

The National Corn Growers Association today celebrated passage of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (TPA-2015) in the Senate, following last week’s vote in the House of Representatives. “Today is a huge victory for America’s corn farmers and the entire agricultural industry,” said Chip Bowling, a Maryland farmer and president of NCGA. “Ag exports are a major driver of the U.S. economy, supporting more than …

The National Corn Growers Association reminds farmers to register early for NCGA’s National Corn Yield Contest and enjoy big savings on entry fees. Until Tuesday, June 30, fees will be reduced to $75. For more information and to enter today using the online form, click here. The version of the online form released this year is suitable for use on mobile devices. Entry will remain open at …

Former NCGA President Pam Johnson is taking part this week in a Cargill-sponsored “Learning Journey” across South Africa and Zambia to forge new relationships and explore the diverse food systems and value chains of Africa. Johnson and her fellow travelers are investigating Africa’s food system challenges and discussing potential solutions for increasing global food security. The travel is also supported by the AGree food and ag policy organization. …

The National Corn Growers Association shared insight into the U.S. seed and agricultural industries with a group of 27 Turkish seed association representatives arranged by the Consulate General of Turkey in Chicago’s Trade Commission. The group, which was arranged by an exploratory delegation NCGA hosted this spring, discussed how the U.S. seed industry functions, the role of biotechnology in U.S. agriculture, state seed certification procedures and the association’s interaction with …

Scores of corn growers from more than a dozen states will converge on Kansas City, Kan., Thursday for a public hearing and rally about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to slash nearly 4 billion gallons of corn ethanol from the Renewable Fuel Standard through 2016. “Last time, we were very clear to EPA about what we wanted,” said NCGA President Chip Bowling. “It is simple: EPA should follow …

Leaders from the National Corn Growers Association, the U.S. Grains Council and the North Dakota Barley Council will travel to Cuba next week to continue the grain industry’s appraisal of the market potential for U.S. coarse grain exports and reengagement with key customers. This mission will include a visit to a Cuban port, meetings with Cuban government officials and tours of the animal sectors in Cuba including dairy, poultry …

The following is a statement from National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling regarding the vote in the House of Representatives to advance Trade Promotion Authority legislation. “We must break down trade barriers and give America’s farmers, livestock producers, and businesses greater access to the world’s consumers. We are one step closer to that goal today. Trade Promotion Authority is essential to negotiating the kinds of global trade agreements …

Today, the National Corn Growers Association applauded the House Energy and Commerce Health subcommittee for holding an important hearing on the bipartisan Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act and demonstrating the urgent need for legislation that would establish uniform, science-based food labeling standards. Introduced by Congressmen Mike Pompeo and G.K. Butterfield, the bill has already attracted 60 cosponsors, including 12 Democrats. Entitled “A National Framework for the Review and …

As the corn crop continues to grow, the National Corn Growers Association reminds photographers to help tell the story of farming field corn in America through the first annual Fields-of-Corn Photo Contest. Through this contest, NCGA hopes to capture high-resolution photos of corn growth at every stage from seed to harvest and the families that grow it. Interested participants will be able to submit multiple entries until November 30, 2015, …

Over the last five years since NASCAR made a switch to E15 American Ethanol, fans have developed a special appreciation for the horsepower of ethanol as well as its social and economic benefits. That new knowledge translated into action last weekend as hundreds of fans attending races in St. Louis and Michigan took time to send post comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency asking it to reverse their decision …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that the vast majority of corn and soybean growers selected the Agriculture Risk Coverage program under the 2014 farm bill was hailed by the National Corn Growers Association as an endorsement of the organization's hard work to secure the program. "NCGA was proud to be a leading advocate of the Ag Risk Coverage program," said NCGA President Chip Bowling. "Our grassroots leaders understand …

The sustainability organization Field to Market experienced record-breaking attendance for its spring meeting last week. In addition to participating in discussions to help the White House learn more about U.S. agriculture’s efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions, the National Corn Growers Association took part in Thursday’s General Session program. Jim Burg, a fifth-generation corn farmer from Wessington Springs, S.D., joined a panel of farmers to talk about sustainable …

Today, the House of Representatives passed Trade Promotion Authority legislation, but failed to pass the Trade Adjustment Assistance package that was required for the bill to move forward to the President’s desk. National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling issued the following statement. “We are disappointed by the House of Representatives’ inability to move forward with the full package of trade legislation. This is a blow to American farmers, …

The National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Board has elected Wesley Spurlock of Texas to become the organization's first vice president for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. “I feel honored that my colleagues on the board chose to place their trust in my ability and dedication to leading our association forward as we work to create greater opportunities for corn growers across the country,” said Spurlock. “Farmers …

The Prospective Resistance Management: Empowering Growers to Understand and Exploit Refugia, a joint research program of the University of Arizona, University of California at Riverside and the U.S. Department of Agriculture funded by Monsanto, will soon offer maps featuring pesticide reporting data that farmers can use when planning their integrated pest management program. By basing plans on real-world data, farmers will gain a powerful tool in their ongoing fight against …

The National Corn Growers Association thanked the House of Representatives for its passage earlier this week of a bill to reauthorize the U.S. Grain Standards Act and called on the U.S. Senate to move quickly to do the same, to ensure that important concerns are addressed in a timely manner. "We appreciate the hard work in the House to make this a reality," said NCGA President Chip Bowling. We …

This weekend will be a big one for American Ethanol, with NASCAR activity taking place at Michigan International Speedway and Gateway Motorsports Park near St. Louis. The highlight in Michigan will be Austin Dillon hitting the track in his second American Ethanol paintout of the season in his No. 3 Chevy. At Gateway American Ethanol will a sponsor the American Ethanol Presents Drivin’ for Linemen 200. In both Michigan …

With the opening of the public comment period regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to cut corn ethanol in the Renewable Fuel Standard by nearly 4 billion gallons, the National Corn Growers Association urges farmers and their family and friends to email their opposition to this proposal as soon as possible, before the July 27 deadline. For details on the proposal and a link to send a quick …

In its monthly report on world ag supply and demand, the U.S. Department of Agriculture held forecasts for production and use steady from last month while beginning and ending stock were raised. With prices also steady, the outlook for corn farmers remains largely unchanged from May. USDA projects beginning stocks of 1.87 billion bushels, a 25-million-bushel increase. The revision, the result of a reduction of the forecast corn use …

The National Corn Growers Association joined more than a dozen organizations and companies at the White House today to emphasize how the agricultural supply chain works together to advance sustainability and discuss how the federal government can help support this work. As part of the White House Ag Sustainability Roundtable, Dr. Nick Goeser highlighted NCGA’s active participation in Field to Market and NCGA's administration of the Soil Health Partnership …

For the last seven years, many Washington-area residents have marked the arrival of summer by the reappearance of family farmers’ faces in the subway cars and stations of the city’s massive Metro complex. This year they are likely to be looking at fragrance ads and empty advertising real estate, given the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority’s rejection of the Corn Farmers Coalition’s well-known annual campaign. The ads began to …

The National Corn Growers Association reminds farmers to register early for NCGA’s National Corn Yield Contest and enjoy big savings on entry fees. Until June 30, fees will be reduced to $75. “A small time investment today can equal big savings on contest entry fees,” said Production and Stewardship Action Team Chair Don Glenn. “With the early bird discount and online entry, becoming a part of this innovative contest …

With U.S. corn emergence 91 percent complete, the crop condition remained strong, according to a report released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With 74 percent of acres still rated in good or excellent condition, only one point behind this time last year, the 2015 corn crop enters the next growth state with solid potential. “Using best management practices and hoping for favorable weather over the next few …

The National Corn Growers Association welcomes Steve Uram, who joins the organization as Marketing Manager in the St. Louis office. Uram brings an excellent combination of association experience, strong project management skills and a rural advocacy background to the team. In this new position, he will provide key support and leadership for the grassroots advocacy, leadership training, membership and fundraising activities of the association. “Steve is an incredibly valuable addition …

The National Corn Growers Association now offers its fifth season of Field Notes, a series that takes readers behind the farm gate to follow the year in the life of American farm families. While these growers come from diverse geographic areas and run unique operations, they share a common love for U.S. agriculture and the basic values that underpin life in farming communities. This week, Field Notes caught up …

The following is a statement from Chip Bowling, Maryland farmer and president of the National Corn Growers Association, in response to the announcement by Canada that it will seek retaliation against the United States for country-of-origin labeling violations. "Ag trade is a vital part of the U.S. economy. Retaliation by Canada will have a significant impact on American farmers and ranchers, threatening rural economies as well as our relationship …

As a beautiful green corn crop emerges, the National Corn Growers Association reminds photographers to help tell the story of farming field corn in America through the second annual Fields-of-Corn Photo Contest. Through this contest, NCGA hopes to capture high-resolution photos of corn growth from seed to harvest and the families that grow it. While the contest opened today, interested participants will be able to submit multiple entries until November …

In today’s agricultural environment of uncertain commodity prices, input costs and research funding, market development is critical. Last week, USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden and U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp visited the Fargo, N.D., site of the National Agricultural Genotyping Center to draw attention to the importance agricultural business development plays in maintaining a strong U.S. agricultural industry. Sen. Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, has been …

National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling and American Soybean Association Chairman Ray Gaesser issued the following statement in anticipation of a second finding by the International Agency for Research on Cancer that would classify another safe, important pesticide as a probable carcinogen: “Like anyone who creates something, farmers need tools to produce a safe and healthy crop. Today, many consumers have questions and concerns about how food is …

An internal review of the new Clean Water Rule released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers shows that there is much for farmers to be concerned about and that the rule must be revoked and rewritten, the National Corn Growers Association said. “The scope, reach and effect of the final rule is far too broad as matter of law and good policy,” …

With U.S. corn planting 95 percent complete, the crop condition held strong, according to a report released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With 74 percent of acres still rated in good or excellent condition, only two points behind this time last year, 84 percent of the corn crop has already emerged. “Right now, farmers are relying upon best management practices and the prospect of favorable weather to …